World Health Organization representative Liliane Luwaga expressed appreciation for WHO’s presence and called on the participants, mostly women, to make healthcare issues a priority in their lives.

She commended the authorities at the Paynesville City Corporation (PCC) and urged the beneficiaries to make use of the program.

Mrs. Florence Allen Jones, Assistant Minister for Early Childhood Education, told the gathering of mothers to demonstrate quality love to their children.

“You should take care of the child from the moment you get pregnant,” Minister Jones said. “Show your children love; and you must say things that are good to them.”

She told the women that it is their responsibility as mothers to ensure that their children get good treatment when they are sick. She urged them to take full advantage of the fair to develop healthy children in Paynesville.

On declaring the fair officially open, PCC mayor Cyvette Gibson commended the support partners for their contribution to ensure that her community is healthy.

“This is meant to provide help to you so you must register and go through the program to get help with your problem,” she said. The Mayor said those who tested positive for diabetes would be provided a wristband to indicate that they cannot take drips whenever they visit hospitals.

She said it would serve as protection for diabetics to inform healthcare professionals that they cannot take drips.

Mayor Gibson later toured the various stands. At the One Source Pharmacy stand, Ms. Jenneve Jackson recommended to the Mayor that to ensure effective monitoring for the people of the community, the yearly health fair should instead be held every three months, which the Mayor said would be considered.

Ms. Jackson said anyone who tested positive for diabetes would receive the US$50 diabetes testing device free of charge, along with other support.
Meanwhile, several beneficiaries expressed appreciation to Mayor Gibson and the healthcare professionals. The PCC has held the health fair annually over the last four years.

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